Tigers

Healthier Miguel Cabrera Blasts 44th Home Run

DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 17: Miguel Cabrera #24 of the Detroit Tigers fields a fifth-inning bunt while playing the Seattle Mariners at Comerica Park on September 17, 2013 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Related Tags:

COMERICA PARK (CBS DETROIT) – For the first time in a long time, Miguel Cabrera looked like his old self.

The Detroit Tigers slugger launched his first home run since Aug. 26, launching the ball deep to center field for his 44th of the season. Cabrera has been dealing with injuries much of the season, but he said after the game that he is feeling better, and the homer served as a good indicator.

“Ah, it’s about time, you know!” Cabrera said with a smile. “It’s been a long time since I hit a home run so I finally know my swing is right again. Hopefully I can be 100 percent the rest of the season and hopefully we go to the playoffs and I’ll be 100 percent.”

Tigers manager Jim Leyland also enjoyed Cabrera’s homer, though his demeanor was on an even keel as usual.

“He’s a great hitter,” Leyland said. “He’s going to hit some. He’s just missed hitting about three others here recently but didn’t quite get them, but he centered that one on the right spot. It was way out.”

For right fielder Torii Hunter, Cabrera’s fielding best showed the improvement in his health.

“I saw the play he made today at third base,” Hunter said. “He came and got the ball and threw the guy out. I thought that was a good sign because he couldn’t do that maybe a week ago, so he’s getting better. He’s getting through his swing a lot more. That ball he hit today was pretty impressive. I definitely think he’s getting better.”